American hazelnut, also called hazel or American filbert, grows in dense thickets on a wide variety of soils and sites. Often associated with white oak, black oak, hickory, gray dogwood, and blackberry.

Distribution in Missouri:

Statewide. Probably native to every county in Missouri.

Status:

Common.

Human connections:

As an ornamental, it makes a good deciduous screen or barrier and has colorful autumn leaves. The nut is prized by cooks. This plant is also good for controlling erosion.

Ecosystem connections:

Bobwhites, ruffed grouse, blue jays, squirrels, and white-tailed deer eat the nuts. The catkins of this species provide important winter food for ruffed grouse and white-tailed deer, which also browse on the twigs. In addition to giving food, this species also provides valuable cover for wildlife.

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Possum haw is the more common of two native Missouri hollies that lose their leaves each fall. This shrub or small tree is eye-catching in the fall and winter when the bright red berries persist on the gray and brown branches and twigs.

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Nannyberry is an understory shrub or small tree that grows in low woods, wooded slopes and in rich valleys near streams. It is officially a Species of Conservation Concern in our state, but its rarity here may simply be because Missouri is at the southern end of its range.

Regs and Areas

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